Today we’d like to introduce you to Cece Teneal.
Hi Cece, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Osteen, just outside of Orlando, Florida and I never envisioned myself as a performer. I’m thankful to have inherited my voice from my mom — who was a force to be reckoned with — and when I was handed a microphone in our family church, people were stunned by such a big voice from a small person. I have a love for cultivating up-and-coming singers, musicians and entrepreneurs. I didn’t ask for this life. I was blessed with it. God directed my steps, and here I am.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest obstacle was recognizing what anxiety and depression looked like. For so long, I was in denial about what the condition was because I was afraid of what people would think. My biggest challenge was overcoming the stigma associated with having anxiety and battling depression. Our community associates these terms with “crazy” or not being a functioning human being and I am glad to be the face that proves this isn’t so. I was also challenged in the beginning of my career with body shaming and becoming ok with being a plus-sized woman.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Cece Teneal, the artist, is a 4-time Independent Music Award winner whose home is Orlando, FL. She tours the nation with her Aretha Franklin Tribute Show- Portraits of a Queen, which debuted at the Dr. Phillips Center in 2016. She’s opened for Buddy Guy, Joe Cocker, Johnny Lang, Trombone Shorty, Fantasia, and the legendary B.B. King. She has two studio albums, one live album, and a multitude of singles available on all streaming platforms.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I have collaborated and received much support from just about all of Central Florida, such as: The City of Orlando, Orange County Government Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts UBIC (Unity Back in the CommUnity), Pace Center for Girls Senator Randolph Bracy Orlando Regional Realtors, and many more. On May 28th, Cece has assembled some of the best singers and musicians in Orlando to host a community concert called Reconnect. It is centered around reconnecting the arts to the community. For more info, visit reconnectorlando.com
Contact Info:
- Email: info@ceceteneal.com
- Website: www.ceceteneal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceceteneal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cece.tenealii
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ceceteneal
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC87asYCNBecgoD0iqfstuew
- Other: https://www.drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2021/reconnect-soul-festival/?fbclid=IwAR0KGL-5AC83EGdcttYakWM7IlON1rE969tkpZMuiSY7c8czdp1bYwJIGyA
